USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900 > Part 77
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125
Mr. Tunstall is one of Norfolk's most progressive citizens, and is actively interested in all public enterprises which tend to advance the interests of the city in which he lives.
R OBERT J. NEELY, deceased, for many years one of the most prominent lumber merchants of Portsmouth, Virginia, was well known throughout Norfolk County, and took an active part in its affairs.
Mr. Neely was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and with his brother William moved, in 1855, to Southampton County, Vir- ginia, where, under the firm name of R. J. & W. Neely, they engaged in the lumber busi- ness, their plant being located at Franklin. Both served throughout the Confederate War, having enlisted from Southampton County. William Neely was in the quartermaster's de- partment. Robert J. Neely was a sergeant and served mainly about Richmond, being a guard at Libby Prison a part of the time. At the close of the war he returned to Franklin
538
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
and soon moved to Portsmouth, where he bought two of the wharves now owned by the Seaboard Air Line, and conducted a lumber business at the corner of Crawford and London streets, dealing also in doors, sash and blinds. He conducted a coal yard at Gosport, and had the largest business of the kind in Portsmouth. In 1866, he was one of the founders of the Bank of Portsmouth and served as a director until 1890, when he died at the age of 62 years. He filled numerous public offices. He was in the Council six years, was a chairman of the finance committee, and was on the ferry com- mittee six years. He was one of the organ- izers of the Board of Trade of Portsmouth, and was an active supporter of all enterprises tending to benefit the city. He commanded the respect and good will of the entire com- munity, and upon his death there appeared in the local papers many articles eulogistic of his life and work, and pronouncing his demise a loss to the city of Portsmouth.
In 1869, Mr. Neely married Elizabeth N. Ridley, who was born in Southampton County, Virginia, and is a daughter of F. T. Ridley, and a great-granddaughter of. Maj. Thomas Ridley, who served in the Revolutionary War, and carried on an extensive correspondence with both Washington and La Fayette. Mrs. Neely was one of six children born to her par- ents, as follows: William, who was killed in the second battle of Manassas, during the Con- federate War: Mrs. L. B. Drewry of Jackson, North Carolina; Elizabeth N .; Mrs. N. B. Ridley of Portsmouth; Julia; and Frank T., deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Neely became the parents of seven children, as follows: Clara ; William R. : Elizabeth N .; Jane Boyd; R. Johnson; John Thompson ; and Emily G. Clara was reared in Portsmouth, and left in September, 1899, for Tokio, Japan, where she expects to remain for seven years as an Episcopalian missionary. She is a correspondent of the missionary papers of New York City. William R., who has been a civil engineer in the employ of the United
States, at Vicksburg, for 10 years, was edu- cated in the University of Virginia. He was at one time sent on an expedition to South America under Admiral Walker, but resigned and returned to his old corps. R. Johnson, who graduated from Blacksburg College, Vir- ginia, and Cornell University, in naval archi- tecture and marine engineering, is now at the Norfolk Navy Yard. John Thompson is now taking a course in engineering at Blacksburg College. Fraternally, Mr. Neely was a Mason. Although his family were Presbyterians, he became a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Mrs. Neely is a member of Ports- mouth Chapter, United Daughters of Confed- eracy. She and her daughters are members of the various organizations of Trinity Protest- ant Episcopal Church, and two of the daugh- ters are teachers in the industrial school. Clara Neely is a member of the Daughters of the- American Revolution. They all belong to the King's Daughters.
OHN NEWTON WILLIAMS, a life- long resident of the city of Norfolk, is a member of the wholesale drug firm of Williams, Martin & Gray. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1842, and is a son of John and Martha Julia (Armistead) Williams:
John Williams was born in Fairfax Coun- ty, Virginia, and came to Norfolk in 1813, when a lad. He engaged in mercantile pur- suits and later, in banking. He was clerk of the Circuit Court for about 30 years prior to the war, and before that was a department clerk about 10 years. He was elected treas- urer while the city was still under martial law and in the hands of the Federal Army, and was also president of the City Council a number of years. His death occurred in 1875. He was a member of Christ Protestant Episcopal Church. Mr. Williams was united in marriage with Martha Julia Armistead, a daughter of
1
MAJ. CHARLES ROBERT MCALPINE, M. D.
541
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
Theodorick and Martha ( Newton ) Armistead. She was born in Norfolk and died in 1858, at the age of 52 years. They became the parents of four children, namely: Eliza Darraugh, wife of Captain William Sharp, who was in the United States and Confederate navies and now lives in Norfolk; Walter Wheeler and Theodorick Armistead, deceased: and John Newton.
John Newton Williams attended private schools in Norfolk and William and Mary Col- lege. At the outbreak of the Confederate War he enlisted at the age of 18 years in Company: F. 6th Regiment, Virginia Infantry, being first stationed at Craney Island. He joined his regiment as it went into the second battle of Manassas, having witnessed the battle between the "Monitor" and "Virginia." He was taken sick with typhoid fever, and running the block- ade returned home and was cared for at the home of his brother at Leesburg, Virginia. Upon his recovery he joined the Richmond Howitzers, Artillery, and was in the battle at Spottsylvania Court House, where his com- mand surrendered. The regiment disbanded and he tramped to Leesburg, returning home via Baltimore, where he took the oath of alle- giance. He arrived home June 23. 1865, and on the following day his father was elected city treasurer and employed him in that office. He was subsequently elected deputy to his father and continued thus for 18 months. He con- tinued bookkeeping for three or four years, and then went into the drug business, organizing the firm of Walke & Williams, which continued for a period of 25 years. He was then out of business on account of ill health for about three years, and in 1898 the drug firm of Williams, Martin & Gray was established, his partners being A. S. Martin and George T. Gray. Their concern is located at No. 79 Commercial Place and they are large wholesale dealers in drugs. paints, oils, etc.
Mr. Williams was joined in the bonds of matrimony, in 1866, with Virginia A. Bland. who was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1846, 31
and is a daughter of Dr. Richard and Virginia ( Williams ) Bland. Three children have been born to them namely: Richard Bland, assist- ant surgeon on the U. S. battleship "Kear- sarge": John Newton, Jr., who is attending the University of Virginia at Charlottesville; and Alice B., who is attending school in New Jer- sey. They are all members of St. Luke's Prot- estant Episcopal Church.
AJ. CHARLES ROBERT MCAL- PINE, M. D., deceased, a distin- guished soldier and eminent physi- cian of Portsmouth, Virginia, whose portrait is herewith shown, was born at Kempsville, in Princess Anne County. Virginia, on April 9. 1827. and died February 14. 1876. He was educated at Will- iam and Mary College, studied medicine under Dr. Balform in Norfolk and then went to the University of Pennsylvania where he gradu- ated and received his professional diploma in 1847.
Dr. James Mc. Alpine, of Edinburg, Scot- land, our subject's father, immigrated to this country about the first of the nineteenth cen- tury and located in Princess Anne County. Vir- ginia. He soon acquired a large practice and be- came one of the most prominent citizens of the seaboard. He married Yates Newton Fisher, which union resulted in three sons and one daughter : James Newton, a physician : Mar- garet, who married the late Dr. Virginius Bil- isoly ; and Charles R.
Dr. Charles R. Mc. Alpine commenced the practice of his profession in his native county. He married and continued his profession there until he removed to Portsmouth, in 1856, where he spent the remainder of his useful life. except the period of his military service. He filled with credit a number of positions of pub- lic trust. Previous to the war between the States, he was health officer of the city and a member of the Council when Portsmouth was
1
542
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
incorporated in 1858. He was president of the Board of Health and a member of the Pub- lic School Board. He was often urged for mayor of the city and the characteristics of the man are truly described in a communication presenting his name, as follows: "In a recent issue the names of several prominent gentle- men are mentioned in connection with the office of mayor of Portsmouth. Being in a state of semi-military vassalage, it is useless to shut our eyes to the fact that the military aim of this government is an usurping power in the 'State. Under the circumstances, the incuni- bent of this office should be a man of firmness, unwavering resolution and possessing ample knowledge of the law. He should be a man having force of character, one who commands respect of his fellow citizens, possessing ad- ministrative ability and resolution to resist the smallest encroachment of the law, no matter from what source emanating. Without any disparagement of any of the gentlemen here- tofore named, such a one is Dr. Charles R. McAlpine, and he possesses the qualities in an eminent degree. His administrative ability and moral courage are unquestioned. Modest and unassuming in his demeanor, there lurks behind these qualities a settled, determined will' to execute fearlessly any undertaking in which he may engage. Prompt and energetic in his profession, relieving the poor and indigent, without hope of compensation, with the same alacrity and willingness as the wealthy, he commands the respect and retains the confi- dence of his fellow citizens in an eminent de- gree. As a magistrate of the city heretofore, he filled the position with that dignity charac- teristic of the man, dispensing justice with an even hand, regardless of position; and as mayor he would be found equal to any emer- gency. An intimate acquaintance of years warrants the writer in making this statement, and his earnest wish to see his native city rise from her present prostration, is his pretext for the advocacy of a warm friend's advancement to this position of trust and responsibility.
Aware that he has never sought office, and that possibly any disability under which he may be laboring, or has been, may be soon re- moved and without his knowledge, his name is hereby presented to the voters of Portsmouth as one eminently qualified to adorn the office of mayor." He was an honored Knight of Pythias, and had passed through all the de- grees of Masonry from entered apprentice to Knight Templar. He was past master, past high priest and past eminent commander. His high standing in all benevolent societies with which he was connected, betokens the heart of the man, for he was charitable and unselfish to a degree which merits the highest admiration. He was one of the bravest of the brave Con- federate soldiers-courageous, calm and fear- less on the field of battle. His faithfulness to his friends is aptly illustrated by Judge Claud- ius W. Murdaugh, for whom he risked his life to snatch from the jaws of death. We quote in full from an address delivered before Stone- wall Camp, in describing the battle of Salem Church. Judge Murdough said : "It was my destiny to be shot down by a ball through the hip, and I fell about midway between the two lines, and here my personal recollections of the battle of Chancellorsville cease. But I hope you will pardon me for this personal allusion. I have referred to it particularly, in order to pay, in this connection, a merited tribute to two as brave and gallant Virginians as ever trod God's green earth. When our company reached the main lines, as I was afterward in- formed, there was an inquiry made as to where I was, and one of the men who was by my side, in falling back, answered that I had been shot, and as he supposed, killed ; immediately a comrade sprung to his feet and cried out, 'Is there any one who will volunteer with me to bring him behind the lines?' The inquiry had scarcely been made before the response came from another, 'I will.' And it was no sooner said than these two brave and gallant spirits jumped over the fence, behind which our forces were lying, and rushing to the spot
543
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
where they had been directed. they seized me and bore me to the rear ; let it be remembered that this was done at a time when the Federals were pouring forth volley after volley in rapid succession, when the air was full of missiles, when streams of shot and shell screamed and liissed on every side. And as I now recall, it seems to me almost miraculous how anything could live under such a terrible fire. And yet these two men dared brave it all-shell, canis- ter and bullets-to save a friend. I refer with swelling heart to these two gallant souls, and when history tells of heroes who fell it can tell of none truer or braver than Major Charles R. McAlpine and Capt. John Hobday-the one survived the war, lived and was ever honored and respected by our people, as he justly de- served; the other was killed at Burgess' Mill October 27, 1864, while gallantly leading his company.
The nation may have no niche for such he- roes, but they will ever be honored by the truly brave men, wherever their deeds are recited. Upon the breaking out of the war Dr. Mc- Alpine raised a company and organized at Glebe's school house, composed of material from both city and country, called the Bilisoly Blues, which was first attached to the 4Ist Reg- iment, and subsequent to the organization of the regiment at Petersburg was transferred and became Company I, 61st Regiment, Virginia Infantry. On the evacuation of Norfolk and Portsmouth, Captain McAlpine and his com- pany were ordered to join the troops around Richmond, and were held on reserve at that point during the memorable Seven Days' fight- ing. The military career of the deceased here commenced, and for cool, decided courage and manly daring. was unsurpassed by any soldier of the Confederacy during the eventful four years' struggle. He was engaged in the fol- lowing battles: Catlett's Station, September 27. 1862; Fredericksburg, December 11, 12 and 13, 1862; Zoar Church, April 30, 1863; McCarty's Farm, May 1, 1863; Chancellors- ville. May 2 and 3, 1863 ; Salem Church, May
3. 1863 : Gettysburg, July 2 and 3. 1863 : picket fight. July 4. 1863: Bristow Station, October 14, 1863: Mine Run, December 2, 1863: Wil- derness, May 6, 1864: Shady Grove, May 8, 1864: Spottsylvania Court House, May 12. 1864: Hanover Junction, May 28, 1864: Cold Harbor. June 2 and 3. 1864; Turkey Ridge (skirmishing). June 4 to 13, 1864; Frazier's Farm, June 13, 1864: Wilcox Farm ( Peters- burg ). June 22, 1864; Gurley House, June 23. 1864; Johnson's Farm. August 19, 1864; Ream's Station, August 25, 1864: Burgess' Mill, October 29, 1864: Hatcher's Run. Feb- ruary 6. 1865. At the battle of Spottsylvania Court House, Captain MeAlpine was promoted to major for gallant daring at the battle of Frazier's Farm, where he was badly wounded in the shoulder. On March 23, 1865, he sent into the War Department his resignation as major of the 61st for the purpose of obtaining authority to raise a battalion of partisan rang- ers, to operate along the Blackwater River. The fall of the Confederacy a few days later. of course defeated this purpose. The chivalric bearing and soldierly character that adds hus- tre to the military record of Major McAlpine during the great struggle, is evidenced by let- ters given him by Colonial Groner. Colonel Stewart and Adjutant Taylor, to present to the War Department for a separate command, each paying fitting tribute to his military ability and personal characteristics. The fall of the Con- federacy came before Major McAlpine could formulate his plans for an independent com- mand, and after the surrender he returned to Portsmouth and resumed the practice of his profession, which he pursued with unfaltering zeal and faithfulness until his death, February 14, 1876. He was a true friend, a good citi- zen, a brave soldier and a noble man.
Dr. Charles R. McAlpine was married February 24, 1852, to Mrs. Elizabeth Anne Land, and the living children of this union are : Yates; Kenneth, Past Assistant Engineer, U. S. Navy; Newton : William Lewis ; and James Fisher. Miss Yates MeAlpine married James
544
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
Edwin Wilson, a native citizen and prominent merchant of Portsmouth, who died in 1884, at the age of 36 years. They had one son, Charles D. Willard.
H. SARGEANT, jr., is prominent among the young lawyers of Nor- folk, who have displayed ability in the practice of their profession. He began practice in the city in 1896, and in the time which has since elapsed has been identified with numerous important litigations, being counsel for several prominent concerns. He was reared in the vicinity of Norfolk, Virginia, and is a son of W. H. Sar- geant, city librarian, and a nephew of Lieuten- ant Carter Williams, of Mahone's Brigade, C. S. Army, and of General Sheldon Sargeant, an officer of the Federal Army of the Intersec- tional War.
W. H. Sargeant, Jr., received his intellec- tual training in the local schools and in the Norfolk Academy. He then prepared himself for the legal profession in the University of Virginia, from which institution he was grad- uated in 1895. As he had not yet reached his majority he entered the law offices of White- hurst & Hughes, and in March, 1896, was ad- mitted to the bar. He continued with the firm above mentioned until September. 1895. since which time he has practiced alone and has achieved unqualified success. He devctes a great portion of his time to real estate and corporation law, represents the interests of a number of Northern capitalists and is also attorney for the Guarantee Building & Loan Association, Old Dominion Building & Loan Association, National Building & Loan Asso- ciation, of Baltimore, Merchants' & Mechan- ics' Loan and Investment Company, Colonial Savings & Investment Association and Calvert Building & Loan Association. Politically he is unswerving in his support of the Democratic party, and firmly believes in the principles which it advocates. He has been an enthusi-
astic party worker, and formerly served as pres- ident of the Third Ward Democratic Club. He is a rising young politician and only missed be- ing sent to the State Legislature by two votes. He is now a member of the City Council from the Third Ward.
Fraternally Mr. Sargeant is senior warden of Owens Lodge, No. 164, A. F. & A. M., and scribe in Norfolk United Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M. He is a member of the B. P. O. E., in which order he is esteemed leading knight, and belongs to the I. O. R. M. He has been prominently identified with other organi- zations of a worthy character. For some time he was secretary of the Y. M. C. A. Debating Society ; secretary of the local assembly of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew ; secretary of Nor- folk Lodge, No. 125, Knights of the Mystic Chain ; and secretary of St. George's Society ; at present he is a member of the gymnasium committee of the Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation. He is also historian of Pickett-Budia- nan Camp. Sons of Confederate Veterans.
APT. J. H. KEGEBEIN, who is cap- tain of Chemical Engine Company. No. I, of the Norfolk Fire Depart- ment, is well known in that city. He was born in New York City Septem- ber 23. 1864, and is a son of Charles F. Kege- bein. When he was 12 years old he removed to Norfolk, where he completed his mental training. When a very young man he worked in a furniture store, and later in grocery stores. His first work in the Norfolk Fire Department was as a volunteer fireman, and in December, 1887, he was promoted to hoseman. In 1894 he was again promoted, this time to be driver of Engine Company No. 1. In July. 1895, Capt. Kegebein was appointed captain of En- gine Company No. 1, at headquarters, and held this office until 1896, when the chem- ical engine was added. February 12, 1896. he was appointed to his present position.
HON. C. BROOKS JOHNSTON.
547
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
He has been in some large fires and has ren- dered much valuable service, always acting with splendid judgment and precision. The chemical engine has prevented many disastrous fires, such as that at the Davis furniture store. which was on fire and was extinguished with- out water. At another time a vessel belong- ing to the Merchants' and Miners' Steamship Company caught fire and burned four hours before it landed. The fire was supposed to have been put out before it landed. huit to make sure. the chemical company was called. When the hatchway was opened a draught started the fire anew. Captain Kegebein had charge of the company, and after much careful work the fire was ex- tinguished. This same company also did great service in extinguishing the fire on the seventh floor of the Citizens' Bank building, for which it received the highest com- mendation. Captain Kegebein has made many valuable improvements at the engine house. His career as a fighter of flames has been an excellent one, and he bids fair to make many advancements in his chosen field of work.
Captain Kegebein married Almeda Fisk, a daughter of James Fisk, of Princess Anne County. Virginia. The children which re- sulted from this union are named Grace; Lil- lian: John; and Frederick. The subject of this sketch is a member of the I. O. O. F., I. O. R. M. and K. of P.
good financial bases, and enforced measures which promoted the health and prosperity of the community.
Mr. Johnston was born .August 1. 1854, in Norfolk. Virginia, where he attended pri- vate schools until he was 14 years of age, and then began to earn his own living. He was employed in the large drug store of C. A. San- tos and subsequently became bookkeeper for Mapp & Company, wholesale dealers in stoves and tinware. He was in partnership with his father for four years in the retail grocery bus- iness on Main street. During the year 1880 he went to work for the Norfolk Knitting & Cotton Manufacturing Company, as book- keeper, and so well did he serve their interests that in January, 1882, he was promoted to be superintendent of the plant. In 1885. in con- nection with W. C. Dickson, he became lessee of the mill which they have since operated. This is the pioneer knitting mill built south of Mason and Dixon's line, and under the excel- lent management of the present proprietors its capacity has been trebled. It has never been closed for want of orders and gives employ- ment to over 200 persons. There is perfect harmony between employers and employees, and to the credit of both it may be said that there has never been any friction in the mill. Aside from this business Mr. Johnston was elected on September 1, 1899. Ist vice-presi- dent and general manager of the Norfolk Rail- way & Light Company.
Mr. Johnston has always been an enthusi- astic Democrat, and from boyhood has taken an active interest in party affairs. In 1886 he was elected a member of the Board of Super- visors of Norfolk County, representing the district of Tanner's Creek. While serving in that capacity he was largely instrumental in preventing the removal of the County Court House from Portsmouth. When Atlantic City was annexed to Norfolk. in 1890. he was made chairman of the local board of improvement. and filled that position until February, 1898.
ON. C. BROOKS JOHNSTON. vice-president and general manager of the Norfolk Railway & Light Com- pany, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was mayor of Norfolk, Vir- ginia. from May, 1898. until the spring of 1901. In the discharge of the duties of public office. the same general business abiity was dis- played as characterized the conduct of his own affairs. He effected many needed reforms during his administration, placed the city on a . During this period he also served two terms in
548
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
the Common Council of Norfolk, from the Sixth Ward, and for about six years was a member of the City Democratic Executive Committee, of which he was chairman. Al- though opposed by two strong candidates, Cap- tain W. R. Mayo, then mayor of Norfolk, and Police Commissioner George H. Dawes, Mr. Johnston was elected mayor in 1898, lacking but a few votes of having a majority over both of his opponents. His practical business meth- ods were carried into office with him, and his record as mayor was a brilliant one. At the sacrifice of his private interests, he devoted his attention to the welfare of the city and his ad- ministration resulted in greater progress than that of any of his predecessor. Realizing that the public schools were not what they should be he set about to remedy defects, and the city can now boast of schools as fine as any city in the State can show. He was instrumental in placing the municipal bonds upon a four per cent. basis, which resulted in a saving of thousands of dollars annually. Probably the greatest amount of good accomplished during his term of office was in the reorganization of the Board of Health, by reason of which the lives of citizens were better protected. Shortly after going into office smallpox became preva- lent and spread with alarming rapidity. No salary was attached to the office of member of the Board of Health, and it was entirely with- out a head. The officials were unable to cope with the dread disease, and the same conditions existed the follow year. Being strongly impor- tuned to become president of the board, Mr. Johnston, after some hestitancy, consented. He realized the danger of a pest-house within the city limits and through the action of General Wyman received permission to use Craney Isl- and without expense to the city. Craney Isl- and was then under the direction of the Navy Department. Thomas Martin secured the transfer of control to the U. S. Marine Hos- pital, which was in charge of General Wyman. That officer, in response to the urgent appeal of Mr. Johnston, turned it over to Norfolk
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.